 Scientist Gøril Voldnes has Russia as a special area. |
The media picture has long been characterised by the problems involved with exporting fish to Russia. "This shows that it is important that Russians and Norwegians meet to discuss trade and collaboration", says Scientist Gøril Voldnes.
On 16 November, Fiskeriforskning is organising a seminar in Tromsø where the possibilities to increase trade across the border will be discussed.
"Russia and the Northern Regions have received much attention lately. It is now important to bring the possibilities down from political goals to more concrete industry- and research-oriented activities", says Voldnes, who has Russia as a special area.
Increased trade
At the seminar, particular emphasis will be placed on the possibilities for collaboration across the border between small and medium-sized companies. Russia has traditionally had few, but very large companies, while it is the opposite here in Norway.
The large companies in Russia have not seen the benefit in collaborating with small and medium-sized companies in Norway. But in recent years, large numbers of small and medium-sized companies have sprouted up in Russia, providing new opportunities for Norwegian trade and industry.
"Russian authorities are interested in increasing the numbers of small and medium-sized companies and want these to contribute to a stronger and more stable economy in the country. Today, they contribute with only 13 % in Russia's national economy", says Voldnes.
Focus on aquaculture
At the seminar, focus areas will include the need for development of the aquaculture industry in Russia.
"There is increasing interest in this area in Russia, and here in Norway, we have a lot of competence with which we can contribute in this field", says Voldnes.
From Russia, there will be lecturers from the research institutes Kola Science Centre and VNIRO. From the Norwegian side, there will be contributions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Innovation Norway and Sparebanken Nord-Norge, as well as Fisheries Advisor Frode Nilssen at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Moscow.
TheFishSite News Desk